LymeNet Flash: Should I tell blood bank about LD? WWYD?

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Posted by DallasGal30 (Member # 9861) on :

I have been diagnosed with chronic Lyme in the past
year.

I had donated blood about 5 years ago.

Now, since I don't know when I contracted Lyme, should I contact blood center and let them know?

I feel a moral obligation to do so. And, I'm very sure I will get a big, blank stare when they hear "chronic Lyme". WWYD?

Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :

I doubt they could trace your blood back that far.

I realize you feel an obligation to alert someone, but

I am not sure they even keep tabs of that info that way.

Best thing to do is not donate again.

You did not knowingly share your disease with someone else.

In La. now, one of the questions prior to blood donation is have you ever been dx. with Lyme disease.

I would maybe send a letter telling the blood bank why it is important to include

Lyme disease as a contractable disease and tell them why it is important to refuse

Any blood from anyone who has ever been diagnosed (or received the Lymerix vaccine) [Smile]

.

Hugs,

Geneal

Posted by treepatrol (Member # 4117) on :

I would tellem and never give blood again. I know I wont or donate organs.

Posted by HaplyCarlessdave (Member # 413) on :

quote:
Originally posted by DallasGal30:
I had donated blood about 5 years ago.

Now, since I don't know when I contracted Lyme, should I contact blood center and let them know?

I am quite sure (though not totally) that at this point, after 5 years, it is way too late! But I would definitely avoid giving any more blood- at least until I was absolutely sure there was no active disease in there, and possibly for good. Actually, they wouldnt let me give blood, on account of having had babesia, though it would seem that lyme ought to be even more of a concern.
DaveS

PS- excuse the lack of apostrophys (oops-accidently typed one there); a (very) minor bug has surfaced)( but I also cannot move cursor backward....- oh,now its (oops aggain) okay..- its (ha!- didnt get me there (or there))) only after you TRY to type an apostrophy that you cant move trhe cursor backwards...)

Posted by Cobweb (Member # 10053) on :

I told them and they didn't take my blood.

I felt like an outcast-but i still got a t-shirt.

Now I just help out with registration and getting drinks for people and holding hands.

So I still contribute-I just don't give blood.

Take Care,
Carol

Posted by Itsy_bitsyone (Member # 12635) on :

I used to be a registered organ doaner before I knew what was wrong with me.

I had never given blood and now I know not to ever give blood. Not because I didn't CARE...but because I have never weighed enough...other than when I was pregnant...since I have been an adult.

Posted by HaplyCarlessdave (Member # 413) on :

Oh, I see I replied already. But, hopefully if someone was given your blood, either
1) they were on antibiotics already, so that the lyme wouldn't have a chance to get into their blood cells before being lethally exposed,
2) the blood was actually taken before you had lyme, or
3) it was given to one of the, um, ....'researchers'... who is being paid to ...'prove'.... chronic lyme doesn't exist...

DaveS

Posted by Tracy9 (Member # 7521) on :

My son donated last week at his school. He has chronic lyme. I called the school to notify them and they just said, "we just host it; someone else comes in and does it." I couldnt' find out who hosted the drive, and the school was no help.

So someone may get his blood. Get this: I live in Connecticut, and they DO NOT EVEN ASK.

Posted by randibear (Member # 11290) on :

my husband has been exposed to hepatitis in vietnam apparently and i've got lyme. carter blood bank said no to both of us.